Panasonic EP-MA73 Review

When Panasonic released an update to their ever popular Panasonic EP-MA70, we knew we needed to have this chair. The all new Panasonic EP-MA73 did not disappoint with new additions like their Quadruple Stretch technology, heated foot massage, and adjusted ergonomic arm design with kneading air compression. The chair also has updates to their already advanced Body Scan technology and their heated massage roller heads. We didn’t know that our favorite chair from Panasonic could get any better, and we’re excited to say that it did!

Sleek Design

The look and feel of the EP-MA73 is sleek and smooth like its previous models with high-quality synthetic leather. The chair is a chameleon, easily changing from a comfortable lounge chair into a thorough massage chair in no time. The reversible ottoman is easy to use and flips open to accommodate foot and leg air compression and tucks back in the chair just as quickly when you’ve finished your massage. The heavily padded back pad allows you to sit and enjoy the chair when it’s not in use for massage, whereas most massage chairs are uncomfortable to sit in due to the massage rollers digging into your back. Simply flipping the thick padding behind the chair exposes the rollers and you’re ready to enjoy massage.

Best Roller Technology

The advanced massage roller mechanism on the Panasonic EP-MA73 provides medium to very deep pressure massage utilizing its 3D massage roller heads. With up to 4 inches of adjustment forward and back, you’re guaranteed to find comfortable massage pressure to eliminate your tension and muscle tightness. Combining their proprietary 3D mechanism with double heated rollers makes this chair truly unique. Soothing heat emulates the feeling of the human hands and takes this massage chair one step closer to your masseur at the spa. The EP-MA73’s Ultra Knead technique moves the rollers in a rapid motion and provides targeted massage to each specific muscle group through the neck and shoulders and down the spine with more precision and accuracy than we’re found on any other chair. With a 31-inch roller stroke length, the chair reaches from the back of the head all the way down to the tailbone on massage users from 4’8” to 6’2”. The open and closing motion of the massage rollers, or grasp and knead motion, move just like the human hand smoothly massaging over the shoulder ridge and giving that needed squeeze feeling that so many of us desire, but that most chairs cannot achieve.

Lots of Massage Programs and Techniques

The advanced massage roller mechanism on the Panasonic EP-MA73 provides medium to very deep pressure massage utilizing its 3D massage roller heads. With up to 4 inches of adjustment forward and back, you’re guaranteed to find comfortable massage pressure to eliminate your tension and muscle tightness. Combining their proprietary 3D mechanism with double heated rollers makes this chair truly unique. Soothing heat emulates the feeling of the human hands and takes this massage chair one step closer to your masseur at the spa. The EP-MA73’s Ultra Knead technique moves the rollers in a rapid motion and provides targeted massage to each specific muscle group through the neck and shoulders and down the spine with more precision and accuracy than we’re found on any other chair. With a 31-inch roller stroke length, the chair reaches from the back of the head all the way down to the tailbone on massage users from 4’8” to 6’2”. The open and closing motion of the massage rollers, or grasp and knead motion, move just like the human hand smoothly massaging over the shoulder ridge and giving that needed squeeze feeling that so many of us desire, but that most chairs cannot achieve.

Air Compression System

For the areas not reached by the massage rollers, the EP-MA73 has 33 airbags to achieve full body relaxation. The airbags are located at the shoulders, low back, hips, seat, calves, feet, as well as hand and arm. We especially enjoy the updated air compression to the hand and arm area. The MA73 now has patterned or ribbed styling to the arm airbags. These ribs are gradually inflated providing the Ultra Knead technique from elbow to fingertip. The air compression for the arm is also provided in an alternating motion from right arm to left so that you can easily remove one arm to make massage adjustments or end massage at any time. The air compression system is also responsible for the hip stretch, using a lifting and lowering method with the seat airbags, alternating from side to side, gently swaying the hips and pelvis. Air compression is also used to grasp at the calves and foot as well as at the hips while the ottoman is lifted and lowered to stretch the leg muscles. Ultra Knead airbags are again used to massage the sides and soles of the feet in conjunction with the acupressure foot nodes. There is not a muscle or area left unattended to by the EP-MA73.

User Friendly Design

When a chair is a challenge to use, it takes away from the relaxation level that you can achieve. Panasonic has always paid close attention to making their chairs user-friendly, even with one of the most complex computer systems available. You’ll have the option to use voice guided massage, which is very helpful when first learning how to use your new massage chair. The calm voice takes you through each massage program to explain the proper positioning of the massage rollers, telling how to adjust intensity, and even checking in to see how the massage is feeling. You can choose to turn off the voice guidance at any time. The remote’s LCD screen clearly shows where on the body the chair is performing massage as well as the program in use and the massages depth/intensity settings. Each massage option can easily be selected at the touch of a button, massage roller heads positioning can be easily adjusted, and massage intensity can be adjusted for both air compression level and roller intensity. Lastly, the remote is sleek in design and medium in size with all functions easily seen.

Some Special Features

Some special relaxation features that take the Panasonic EP-MA73 over the top are Heated Foot Massage, Junetsu Massage, Double Heated Roller Heads, and the updated Body Scan technology:

Heated Foot Massage

Something that we’ve always wondered was why are my feet not being heated too? Your feet carry through the day and experience the most pressure yet somehow we’re only heating our back muscles. The heated soles on the EP-MA73 really help to relax the tired muscles of the feet and also aid in your total relaxation by keeping you comfortable and warm during your session.

Junetsu Massage

Incorporated into the Panasonic EP-MA73’s preset massage programs is the Junetsu massage technique. If you’re wondering what Junetsu is, it is a Japanese style of precise circular motion provided by the thumb (in this case, the thumb shaped roller) to deeply and quickly loosen even the most tense muscle tissue. Junetsu is a Panasonic exclusive massage technique and feels amazing.

Double Heated Massage Rollers

The massage rollers are actually heated on the interior of the roller as well as the exterior of the roller allowing for the deep heat to seep into the muscles with ease. Heat relaxes the muscles for faster relaxation and deeper, more thorough massage.

Updated Body Scan Technology

Panasonic is the pioneer of the body scan, and it shows with the newest scan technology on the EP-MA73. The rollers are strategically placed to hit every muscle group with precision. Most massage chairs have a body scan to determine where your shoulders are and to figure out how wide your body is. This not only locates you in the chair, but it defines the curvature of your spine and the length of your neck. Each area is reached and provided with the necessary pressure for that region.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, we’re impressed with the new Panasonic EP-MA73 Real Pro Ultra Massage Chair. We can elaborate on the chair for more than you could ever want to read! If you do find that we missed something in our review or if you’d like to learn more about the MA73, please feel free to chat with a Massage Chair Expert by calling 888.360.9996 or simply clicking the Live Chat button at the tops of the screen.

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Massage Chair Expert

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